Download our handy wedding planner, bookmark this page and check back as it gives lots of useful ideas as well as timings. We have based the timetable on planning your big day in 18 months but lots of couples successfully arrange a 'full monty' wedding in 2 or 3 so if your time is different simply follow this order at the relevant speed!
Before you start plan your budget and try to allow some 'spare' for new trends or ideas you had not thought of, we recommend making a must-have and would-love list.
Remember that summer Saturdays are peak season for weddings, mid-week or out-of-summer weddings are more likely to secure the best companies, especially at short notice.
18 months
Book the registrar or Church and your venue, you need to co-ordinate these 3 in order to fix a date and proceed with the rest of your plans.Choose your photographer.
Take out insurance cover.
12 months
OK, you can't wait any longer, go and try on dresses! Most shops encourage or require you to book an appointment so you have their undivided attention.Book other services who can only take 1 wedding per day: the caterer, videographer and entertainment for your evening party such as DJ or band.
9 months
Book your florist and chair covers.Order your wedding rings, especially if these are being designed for you.
Choose the entertainers that will make the day and evening memorable, many have limited availability so get your names in their diaries first: toastmaster, photobooth, magician, caricaturist, fun casino, string quartet, harp, singers, guitarist.
Plan your accessories: jewellery, shoes, lingerie etc.
6 months
Choose your wedding cake.Arrange the honeymoon - and make sure your passports are valid for all dates if travelling abroad!
Order wedding stationery and send out save-the-date cards.
Choose bridesmaids' dresses - if they are children they shouldn't grow too much but take advice from the shop and make sure adult bridesmaids don't go on a crash diet! Co-ordinate with your Mums regarding their outfits.
Book childcare/entertainment.
Book the hair stylist and make-up artist and arrange trials. Plan a beauty and weight loss routine.
Book the wedding transport - cars, horse & carriage or helicopter.
Arrange your gift list.
Choose the menswear.
3 months
Send out invitations - before you do this you may want to plan and include details for your gift list, local accommodation/transport, special diets etc and set up a system to monitor replies.Order bridal favours.
Buy gifts for each other, the bridal party and your parents.
Write out timings and schedule for the day.
Arrange a rehearsal at your Church.
1 month
Book the final dress fitting and arrange collection of your dress.Chase-up outstanding replies to invites, sort the table plan and forward this to your designer.
Liaise with suppliers for final timings - speak to your venue, all entertainers, your photographer, florist and hair stylist to make sure they all know where they all their product needs to be and when.
Sort legalities regarding your name change and arrange for new bank details etc.
2 weeks
Log wedding presents as you receive them and make a start on thank you notes ready to send after the big day.Make a list of people who cannot attend so you can send them some wedding cake and a photo.
the last week
Pack for your honeymoon and make sure all travel documents are safely together.Take seating plan and gifts you have bought for special gifts to your reception venue.
Enjoy some pampering at a local spa, have your nails manicured and other final beauty treatments.
Drink lots of water and get some early nights!